Solar pool heater system

ABSTRACT

A solar pool heater system for efficiently heating a pool with solar energy. The solar pool heater system includes a buoyant support member, a distribution unit attached to the support member, a manifold fluidly connected to the distribution unit, a pump unit fluidly connected to the manifold, and a solar unit electrically connected to the pump unit. The pump unit draws colder water from the pool and provides the same to the manifold which distributes the water through distribution channels within the distribution unit. The water is heated via solar energy while passing through the distribution unit. The heated water is then returned to the body of pool water through an exhaust conduit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/370,139 filed Apr. 4, 2002. The application Ser. No. 60/370,139 is currently pending. The application Ser. No. 60/370,139 is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to pool heaters and more specifically it relates to a solar pool heater system for efficiently heating a pool with solar energy.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Pool heaters have been in use for years. One type of pool heater is comprised of an electrical heater unit that heats the water utilizing conventional electric power. A second type of pool heater is comprised of a passive cover that allows solar energy to enter the pool but retains the solar energy within the pool. Another type of pool heater is comprised of a solar heater unit that is positioned away from the pool (e.g. on the roof of a house) wherein water is pumped to the solar heater unit and then returned.

[0007] Conventional pool heaters do not efficiently heat a pool. Conventional passive covers do not effectively heat a pool since they only heat a thin surface layer of the pool water. A further problem with conventional pool heaters is that they can be difficult and cumbersome to install. Another problem with conventional pool heaters is that they do not fit various sizes of pools.

[0008] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for efficiently heating a pool with solar energy. Conventional pool heaters do not efficiently heat various sizes and shapes of pools.

[0009] In these respects, the solar pool heater system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of efficiently heating a pool with solar energy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pool heaters now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new solar pool heater system construction wherein the same can be utilized for

[0011] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new solar pool heater system that has many of the advantages of the pool heaters mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new solar pool heater system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art pool heaters, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0012] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a buoyant support member, a distribution unit attached to the support member, a manifold fluidly connected to the distribution unit, a pump unit fluidly connected to the manifold, and a solar unit electrically connected to the pump unit. The pump unit draws colder water from the pool and provides the same to the manifold which distributes the water through distribution channels within the distribution unit. The water is heated via solar energy while passing through the distribution unit. The heated water is then returned to the body of pool water through an exhaust conduit.

[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0015] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a solar pool heater system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0016] A second object is to provide a solar pool heater system for efficiently heating a pool with solar energy.

[0017] Another object is to provide a solar pool heater system that may be utilized upon various sizes and shapes of pools.

[0018] An additional object is to provide a solar pool heater system that is modular.

[0019] A further object is to provide a solar pool heater system that does not require additional space other than the pool.

[0020] Another object is to provide a solar pool heater system that simultaneously heats and circulates the water within a pool.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0024]FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention positioned within a pool.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention positioned within the pool utilizing an exhaust conduit.

[0026]FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the solar unit.

[0027]FIG. 4 is an end view of distribution unit and support member.

[0028]FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of distribution unit and support member.

[0029]FIG. 6a is a cutaway perspective view of the manifold within a sleeve.

[0030]FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the manifold within a sleeve.

[0031]FIG. 6c is a perspective view of the manifold.

[0032]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view of the distribution unit fluidly connected to the manifold.

[0034]FIG. 9a is a top view of one variation of the present invention within a pool.

[0035]FIG. 9b is a top view of a second variation of the present invention within a pool.

[0036]FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connections between the electrical components of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] A. Introduction

[0038] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate a solar pool heater system 10, which comprises a buoyant support member 50, a distribution unit 60 attached to the support member 50, a manifold 70 fluidly connected to the distribution unit 60, a pump unit 30 fluidly connected to the manifold 70, and a solar unit 20 electrically connected to the pump unit 30. The pump unit 30 draws colder water from the lower portion of the pool 12 and provides the same to the manifold 70 which distributes the water through distribution channels 62 within the distribution unit 60. The water is heated via solar energy while passing through the distribution unit 60. The heated water is then returned to the body of pool 12 water through an exhaust conduit 48.

[0039] B. Support Member

[0040] The support member 50 is comprised of a buoyant material for floating upon the water surface of a pool 12. The support member 50 may be comprised of a sheet material or a plurality of segment connected together. The support member 50 may be comprised of various types of buoyant materials such as but not limited to foam rubber and the like. The support member 50 further is preferably capable of insulating the pool 12 thereby retaining the heat within the body of water in the pool 12.

[0041] C. Distribution Unit

[0042] The distribution unit 60 positioned upon the upper surface of the support member 50. The distribution unit 60 is preferably attached to the upper surface of the support member 50, however various other configurations may be utilized.

[0043] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 of the drawings, the distribution unit 60 includes a plurality of distribution channels 62. The distribution channels 62 preferably extend substantially parallel to one another as further shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 of the drawings. The distribution channels 62 are preferably comprised of a relative broad and flat structure for maximizing the exposure of the water flowing through the distribution channels 62 to solar energy.

[0044] The upper surface or the lower surface of the distribution channels 62 is comprised of a colored or opaque material, for allowing for the absorption of solar energy and the heating of the water flowing through the distribution channels 62. If the lower surface is used for absorption of solar energy, a transparent or semitransparent material is used for the upper surface, allowing for the passage of solar energy to lower surface. If the upper surface is primarily used for absorption of solar energy, the lower surface may be of any color. The lower surface may also consist of the support member 50.

[0045] The exhaust conduit 48 is attached to a second end of the distribution unit 60 for dispensing the heated water back into the pool 12. The exhaust conduit 48 preferably extends downwardly to a lower portion of the pool 12 as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The exhaust conduit 48 may have various shapes, lengths and sizes as can be appreciated to allow for the transfer of the heated water back into the lower portion of the pool 12.

[0046] D. Manifold

[0047] The manifold 70 is fluidly connected to the distribution unit 60 as best illustrated in FIG. 8 of the drawings. The manifold 70 includes a plurality of ports 72 that open into a respective distribution channel of the distribution unit 60 for providing the water to be heated to the distribution unit 60.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 6a, 6 b and 8 of the drawings, the manifold 70 may be comprised of an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis with the ports 72 extending transversely from a main conduit. A cap member 74 may be attached to one end of the manifold 70 opposite of the pump unit 30 for preventing the escape of water through thereof as shown in FIG. 6c of the drawings. The manifold 70 with extended ports 72 may be surrounded by a sleeve 40, for allowing the distribution unit 60 attached to the support member 50 to be easily rolled up when they are removed from the pool. The sleeve 40 is comprised of a material such as but not limited to foam rubber and the like. The sleeve 40 may be comprised of a buoyant material.

[0049] Alternatively, the manifold may be constructed as a tube around which the distribution unit 60 is wrapped, with ports 72 in the form of holes providing the fluid connection to the distribution channels 62. The manifold may also be constructed in the form of channels within distribution unit 60 itself.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1 in the drawings, a second manifold 70 may be used to collect the heated water from the distribution unit 60 and transfer it towards the bottom of the pool through an exhaust conduit 48. FIG. 2 illustrates the alternative of dispensing with a second manifold, by using an extension of the distribution unit 60 as the exhaust conduit 48.

[0051] E. Pump Unit

[0052] The pump unit 30 is fluidly connected to the manifold 70 for providing water from within a pool 12 to the manifold 70 via a delivery tube 32 or similar fluid connection. The pump unit 30 is preferably comprised of a submersible pump structure that may be submerged for extended periods of time. Various pump devices may be utilized to construct the pump unit 30 which are well-known in the pump industry.

[0053] F. Solar Unit

[0054] The solar unit 20 is electrically connected to the pump unit 30 either directly or through a control unit as illustrated in FIG. 10 of the drawings. The solar unit 20 includes one or more solar cells for converting solar energy from the sun to electricity which are well-known.

[0055] A power cable 26 or other electrical conducting device is electrically connected between the solar unit 20 and the pump unit 30. The power cable 26 is insulated to prevent electrical conduction when positioned within the pool 12.

[0056]FIG. 3 best illustrates that the solar unit 20 includes a support base 22 and a support structure 24 adjustably attached to the support base 22 for allowing adjustment of the angle of solar cells within the solar unit 20 to best receive the solar energy from the sun. The support base 22 preferably has a plurality of cutouts for receiving a selected portion of the support structure 24 as further shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Various other support structures 24 may be utilized to support the solar unit 20.

[0057] The solar unit 20 automatically activates the pump unit 30 during solar energy periods and is preferably used in combination with a battery unit 28 and a control unit 80. The battery unit 28 may be comprised of any conventional rechargeable power supply. When solar energy is present the solar unit 20 charges the battery unit 28 until a predetermined charge level is reached, at which time the control unit 80 activates the pump unit 30. The pump unit 30 then operates for a preset time or until a predetermined discharge level is reached. This cycle repeats as long as solar energy is present.

[0058] G. Operation of Invention

[0059] The invention is first installed to a specific pool 12 structure. The support member 50, the distribution unit 60 and the manifold 70 may be trimmed according to the shape and size of the pool 12. FIGS. 9a and 9 b illustrate some alternative variations of the present invention designed to accommodate different shaped pools 12. The support member 50 both supports 72 the distribution unit 60 upon the surface of the pool 12 to maximize the solar exposure and also insulates the body of water within the pool 12. The pump unit 30 is positioned within the pool 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The solar unit 20 provides electrical power to the pump unit 30 either directly from the solar cells or from the battery unit 28, as regulated by the control unit 80, when sufficient solar energy is present. The pump unit 30 draws the cold water from the pool 12 and forces the cold water to the manifold 70. The cold water is then diverted through the ports 72 into the distribution channels 62 of the distribution unit 60. The water is then heated within the distribution channel by the solar energy. The heated water is then dispensed out the second end of the distribution unit 60 back into the water of the pool 12. An exhaust conduit 48 may be fluidly connected to the second end of the distribution unit 60 for diverting the heated water directly to the lower portion of the pool 12 as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a second manifold 70 may be fluidly connected to the second end of the distribution unit 60 and then fluidly connected at one end to the exhaust conduit 48 for diverting the heated water to the lower portion of the pool 12. Various other structures may be achieved utilizing the present invention.

[0060] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0061] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0062] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Index of Elements for Solar Pool Heater System (SWAN-006) □ ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 10. Solar Pool Heater System □ 11. □ 12. Pool □ 13. □ 14. □ 15. □ 16. □ 17. □ 18. □ 19. □ 20. Solar Unit □ 21. □ 22. Support Base □ 23. □ 24. Support Structure □ 25. □ 26. Power Cable □ 27. □ 28. Battery Unit □ 29. □ 30. Pump Unit □ 31. □ 32. Delivery Tube □ 33. □ 34. □ 35. □ 36. □ 37. □ 38. □ 39. □ 40. Sleeve □ 41. □ 42. Receiving Channel □ 43. □ 44. Slot □ 45. □ 46. Receiver Apertures □ 47. □ 48. Exhaust Conduit □ 49. □ 50. Support Member □ 51. □ 52. □ 53. □ 54. □ 55. □ 56. □ 57. □ 58. □ 59. □ 60. Distribution Unit □ 61. □ 62. Distribution Channel □ 63. □ 64. □ 65. □ 66. □ 67. □ 68. □ 69. □70. Manifold □71. □72. Ports □73. □74. Cap Member □75. □76. □77. □78. □79. 

I claim:
 1. A solar pool heater system, comprising: a support member comprised of a buoyant material; a distribution unit positioned upon said support member; a manifold fluidly connected to said distribution unit; a pump unit fluidly connected to said manifold for providing water from within a pool to said manifold; and a solar unit electrically connected to said pump unit.
 2. The solar pool heater system of claim 1, wherein said solar unit includes a support base and a support structure adjustably attached to said support base for allowing adjustment of the angle of solar cells within said solar unit.
 3. The solar pool heater system of claim 1, wherein said solar unit includes a battery unit.
 4. The solar pool heater system of claim 3, wherein said solar unit charges said battery unit.
 5. The solar pool heater system of claim 4, including a control unit that regulates recharging of said battery unit by said solar unit.
 6. The solar pool heater system of claim 5, wherein said control unit regulates said pump unit.
 7. The solar pool heater system of claim 1, wherein said support member is comprised of a sheet material.
 8. The solar pool heater system of claim 1, wherein said support member is comprised of a plurality of segments.
 9. The solar pool heater system of claim 1, wherein said distribution unit is attached to an upper surface of said buoyant member.
 10. The solar pool heater system of claim 1, wherein said distribution unit includes a plurality of distribution channels.
 11. The solar pool heater system of claim 8, wherein said manifold includes a plurality of ports that open into a respective distribution channel of said distribution unit.
 12. The solar pool heater system of claim 11, wherein said distribution unit may be rolled around said manifold in a storage position.
 13. The solar pool heater system of claim 1, including an exhaust conduit attached to a second end of said distribution unit for dispensing the heated water back into the pool. 